7M - FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview: France vs England - prediction, team news, lineups

Following heartbreaking semi-final defeats, European heavyweights France and England must dust themselves down as they lock horns in the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place play-off at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, July 18.

Les Bleus fell short of the final after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Spain, while the Three Lions saw their tournament dreams shattered by Argentina in a dramatic 2-1 loss. Now, both teams are faced with the challenge of overcoming continental disappointment to finish their North American campaigns on a high.

Match Preview

France enter this fixture having put together an impressive run of form prior to their semi-final setback. Didier Deschamps' side claimed maximum points in eight of their last 10 games across all competitions, suffering two defeats and recording zero draws in that stretch. In terms of attacking output, Les Bleus have been highly entertaining, with over 2.5 goals occurring in seven of their previous 10 games, where they averaged a robust 2.3 goals per game. Additionally, France have a formidable habit of starting matches on the front foot, scoring the opening goal in nine of their last 10 fixtures.

England's overall trajectory heading into this encounter is similarly strong, with seven victories, one draw, and two defeats in their last 10 international outings. Under pressure to establish defensive stability, they have scored the opening goal in six of their last 10 games. However, Gareth Southgate's side has experienced more defensive vulnerability recently, with both teams scoring in their last four consecutive matches. Clean sheets have been harder to come by, though England have still managed to win three of their last 10 games without conceding a goal.

Historically, encounters between these two giants have been tightly contested. Over 2.5 goals occurred in four of the last eight meetings between France and England, with France averaging 1.52 goals per game compared to England's 1.15. With both squads loaded with individual quality, the tactical battle on the pitch is expected to be fierce despite the disappointment of missing out on the final.

Team News

The spotlight of this third-place play-off will focus on a blockbuster individual duel between Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. Both players have enjoyed stellar World Cup campaigns. Mbappe has found the net six times in his last six tournament appearances, while Bellingham has registered five goals over the same span.

France will look to support Mbappe through the creative outputs of Ousmane Dembele (who has five goals in his last six games), Bradley Barcola, and Desire Doue. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and winger Michael Olise are also expected to play key roles in breaking down the English defensive structure.

England's lineup will rely heavily on the orchestrating presence of Bellingham in midfield. Having played through a grueling knockout stage schedule, both managers may look to rotate their starting lineups slightly to give fresh legs an opportunity, though the pursuit of a World Cup bronze medal will ensure strong starting elevens are fielded.

France Possible Starting Lineup:

Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Mbappe, Barcola

England Possible Starting Lineup:

Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Mainoo, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane

Prediction: France 2-1 England

Having evaluated the tactical setups, current squad form, and offensive threat of both teams, France appear to have a slight edge. While England's offensive unit led by Bellingham will certainly threaten, France's efficiency in scoring the opening goal combined with their superior goal-per-game average should see them edge a close and highly competitive encounter.